What to Expect

When you arrive for your first treatment, a radiation therapist from your Care Team will greet you and walk you through what you can expect during treatment. Depending on the location of your tumor, you may be asked to change into a gown, robe, and slippers. These are provided by the center. There are secure locker rooms for you to store your clothing or other personal belongings.

During your treatment sessions

Proton therapy is a noninvasive treatment. There is no discomfort or sensation during the actual radiation treatments. Members of your personal Care Team will assist you throughout the process. Your radiation therapists will have everything ready for you before the treatment begins. You will lie on a treatment bed, and your therapists will make adjustments to your position. Since proton therapy is so precise, you must be in a very specific, predetermined position to ensure the proton beam hits the target directly. You will be asked to lie still during the set-up process and while the proton beam is on. The Care Team will determine the best way for you to lie, and you will be automatically moved into position before each treatment using our robotic positioning system. During the actual treatment, you will not feel or see the proton beam. It is invisible. You may hear some clicking sounds from the equipment around you. These sounds usually go unnoticed by patients after a few treatment sessions.

The entire treatment session can range from 15 to 60 minutes as final checks are made and the treatment bed is moved into position. Because there is no recovery time, you can return to your normal daily activities right after each treatment session. There is no need to stay overnight in a hospital or remain at the center after your treatment.

We’re dedicated to making your treatments as comfortable as possible for you. Patients are encouraged to let us know their favorite music or bring in their own CDs. We can arrange to have it playing for you during your individual treatment sessions.

Side effects

Typically, there are few side effects from proton therapy. If there are side effects during or after treatment, they are generally minor and occur after a number of treatments. Depending on the site of your tumor, side effects may include skin irritation in the direct path of the proton radiation, tiredness, and hair loss around the area being treated. Before treatment begins, your doctor will discuss possible side effects with you. Your Care Team nurse is available to help manage any side effects you may have.

Doctor check-ins

You will meet with your doctor (radiation oncologist) at least once a week to discuss how your therapy is progressing. Your doctor may order additional tests such as blood tests, CTs, MRIs, or other scans during the course of your treatment. If you have specific needs or questions, your doctor is available for you at any time.